Simplifying Variables With Negative Exponents Lessons

Unless the actual value of x is known, this problem cannot be simplified to a number like in our previous lesson. But this problem can be simplified by getting rid of the negative exponent by following the same steps we did in the previous lesson.

First, write the number 1 then divide it by the problem but change the negative exponent to its opposite (The -4 becomes 4).

1 / x4

This problem can also be solved by showing the division using a fraction bar, as explained in the previous lesson.